Colombia & Panama: Coral, Jungles, Canal

Welcome to Cartagena! You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hospitality area in the city. Board the ship, meet your crew and settle in for the week ahead.

A historical tour of the colonial walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena shows off its highlights. Wander narrow streets lined with colorful houses. Visit the Palace of Inquisition, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, or the oldest church in the city. Afterward, set sail for the archipelago of San Bernardo. With its clear water and vibrant corals, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are all options.

Cruise the Caribbean coast of the Darien Gap to the tiny, almost-forgotten coastal towns of Capurgana and Sapzurro. Hike between the towns through the dewy Darien jungle, home to toucans, parrots, howler and squirrel monkeys. Or, take to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters for snorkeling and beachcombing.

You’re in the Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Islands)—360 islands dotted with palm trees, thatched roofs, coconut groves, white sand beaches—and they’re perfect for snorkeling. Look around for a rainbow of reef fish, corals, rays, and sea turtles. Anything’s possible in paradise. On land, meet the Guna people, one of the best-preserved cultures in the Americas. Learn about their culture and don’t miss the chance to buy their detailed handcrafted “molas.” In the Guna culture, an ornate mola with a detailed design is an item displayed with pride.

Islands, forts, and sea life—bring your adventurous spirit. You’re headed for the Panama Canal and along the way, your captain has the say. Transiting the 48-mile passage is a bucket list experience. A story of engineering and human tenacity, it took over 75,000 workers to build and takes you about eight hours to transit. Joined by a Canal Authority Pilot, watch line handlers manage the ship through changing sea levels in the locks. Paired with videos and onboard narration, you’ll cross the locks with a better understanding of this engineering marvel. Celebrate your transit with a top deck barbeque!

Visited by Paul Gaugin and Captain Morgan, wake up at the “Island of Flowers.” Tour a historic village and the touted second oldest church in the hemisphere. Or, hike up the ridge to seek out views and World War II fortifications. Soak up this storied island before it’s time to settle in on deck in search of marine mammals and birdlife.

The Darien Jungle calls, and you’re headed straight into it by way of motorized native canoe along the Mogue River. White ibis, pelicans, cormorants, little blue herons, and mangrove hawks welcome from above while the sound of drums greets you from the forest. Visit with Emberá villagers—a local tribe eager to share their heart, song, and dance. Browse their woven baskets and wooden handicrafts and maybe take home a souvenir or two. Celebrate your big adventure with a Farewell Dinner and slideshow.

What a week! After one last freshly baked pastry, transfer to Panama’s international airport.